Seattle's Condo Revolution

The Emerald City (aka Seattle) is experiencing a renaissance that is redefining the downtown skyline and livability of its core neighborhoods.  And, it's occurring with a  "big bang" making it an exciting time for all residents, condo-owners or otherwise.

Since 2006, over 30 new condominium & lofts projects have been proposed for the next 4-5 years.  While not all proposed projects will pan out, many will, adding upwards of 10,000 new housing units to the downtown core.  And, that does not include Paul Allen's Vulcan Real Estate's ambitious plan to reinvent the South Lake Union district, which over the next 15 years may add thousands more units.

The new projects will redefine Seattle's skyline.  Not since the office building boom of the 1980s have we seen so many cranes dotting the skyscape.  Citizens, worried about tall buildings, pushed through a building height cap following the construction of Seattle's tallest structure, the Columbia Tower, in the mid-80s.  Just twenty years later that cap is now a mere memory.   And, developers are taking full advantage.

Currently, new high-rise luxury condominium buildings are under construction that are upwards of 500 feet in height.  Several projects are destined to become landmarks, joining the Space Needle and Smith Tower.  Among the soon-to-be signature high-rises are Escala, 1521 and Icon Tower.

If you're interested in learning more about Seattle's condo renaissance, the Seattle Condos & Lofts blog, provides comprehensive information including condo profiles, reviews, news and events.

Copyright 2007 - Ben Kakimoto, Seattle Condo Specialist